KINGS OF LYDIA. Kroisos, circa 560-546 BC. Kings of Lydia. Kroisos, AR silver 1/6 Stater. 1.67 g 10.73 mm. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. Sardes. Obv.: Confronted foreparts of lion and bull. Rev.: Two incuse square punches. Ref.: SNG Kayhan I 1019. Kroisos, also known as Croesus in Greek mythology and history, was the king of Lydia, an ancient kingdom located in western Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Kroisos is renowned for his wealth and power, making him a prominent figure in both Greek history and mythology. He ruled Lydia during the 6th century BCE, overseeing a prosperous kingdom known for its advancements in commerce and minting the first standardized coins made of electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver. One of Kroisos' notable achievements was expanding Lydia's influence and wealth through strategic alliances and trade routes that extended across Asia Minor and into Greece. His wealth became legendary, earning him the reputation of being the richest man of his time. Kroisos' reign is also marked by his interactions with neighboring powers, including the Greek city-states and the rising Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great. His alliance with the Oracle of Delphi, seeking advice on potential conflict with Persia, famously led to a misinterpretation that ultimately resulted in his defeat by Cyrus. Despite his defeat, Kroisos remained a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Greek and later Western traditions. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of fate and the transient nature of material wealth. In summary, Kroisos, or Croesus, was a pivotal figure whose reign symbolized Lydia's prosperity and strategic importance in ancient Anatolia. His legacy endures through historical accounts, myths, and philosophical reflections on the nature of wealth and power in human societies.